As I have said before, middle grade is a genre I really want to read more of. I read Nevermoor earlier this year and fell in love with the way these books are. The Magic Misfits was another book recommended to me. I originally bought it for a middle grade event in TBR & Beyond, but only got to it now! Let’s see what I thought about this book.
From beloved award-winning actor, Neil Patrick Harris, comes the magical first book in a new series with plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on.
After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded kids. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they’ll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso’s villainous clutches. These six Magic Misfits will soon discover adventure, friendship, and their own self-worth in this delightful new series.
Review
Neil Patrick Harris is someone I have seen in many TV shows. He is an amazing actor and I was really curious to see what he would do as a writer. He didn’t disappoint. Neil Patrick Harris has a way with words. The Magic Misfits is sweet, funny and perfect for the age group it’s written for.
Carter is a young boy who doesn’t really have a home and that is his biggest wish. He lost his parents and the “Uncle” he was left with, isn’t the nicest guy. He teaches Carter magic tricks, but more in the hope that he will help steal from people. This is something Carter refuses to do. Carter knows it isn’t write.
He runs away one night when his Uncle takes things to far and ends up in a small town.Once again, he runs into a group that would love to use his quick hands for evil. Luckily he finds a group of kids who welcome him in their group.
One thing I love about middle grade is the lessons hidden in the books. It’s clear that Carter wants nothing more than a place to call home and a family. I think one thing he learns is that family isn’t always blood. And that it’s possible to work together for good.
Neil Patrick Harris did such a good job making this a diverse book. The kids aren’t perfect, but are good in their own way. I also loved that one of the main characters had two fathers. He made it clear that families come in all shapes and sizes.
The Magic Misfits is told with really wonderful pictures (I mean, just look at that cover), magic tricks and puzzles. I may be an adult, but I had a lot of fun trying to figure them out. I am really looking forward to the second book!
After reading this, I am really looking forward to discovering more middle grade books. What ones should I pick up first?
